Being a father is not how I imagined it. When my wife Danyael was pregnant with our first daughter, because I’m the type of person who definitely likes to learn as much about as many things as possible and who does not like surprises, I did a lot of reading and researching about babies and
A Giving Tree
On Sunday, September 17th, my mother-in-law, my wife’s mother, and my daughters’ grandmother, Deanne Lipsius passed away. She is the first of my daughters’ grandparents to pass away. With permission from my wife, the following is the speech I gave at the funeral. I am equal parts sad and honored to be speaking today. When
Confidence
Today Chloe turns 14. Yesterday, she was walking towards me in the kitchen and on her approach said, “hug it out dad.” I got so excited because if you know her, you know, hugging isn’t really her thing. I looked around to make sure there were witnesses and spread my arms wide. The world slowed
Of Chicken Parm and Penne
Today Julianna turns 15. Last year, for the annual birthday post, I wrote about how Julianna was prepping herself, and us, for the beginning of High School. Now, on the back-9 of her freshman year in high school, it’s safe to give her a resounding: so far, so good. Actually, that’s not fair. She’s doing
The Blinking Yellow Light
It has been 3 years since both Chloe and Julianna have been able to go to overnight camp together. Today, they return, at the same time, to camp. Today, they go away for 7 weeks. Maybe you’re reading this and you’re in your car, with your kid in the backseat and no visibility out the
27
I don’t understand. This post will not be one of the “fun” ones to read. I typically don’t share my thoughts on these sorts of things but I feel compelled this time. Yesterday, May 24th, at the Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, 19 children and 2 teachers were brutally murdered while at school. This
High School Julianna
Today Julianna turns 14. Oh wait, I’m sorry. Today, High School Julianna turns 14. She’s not even in High School yet but has recently taken to referring to herself, not only in the 3rd person, but with the “High School” qualifier. “High School Julianna is going to get to keep her phone in her bedroom
Chapters
In 2005 my wife and I reconnected after originally meeting 13 years prior. In 2006 I proposed (and she said yes). In 2007 we got married. In 2008 Julianna was born. In 2009 Chloe was born. At the end of this week we celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary. 3.5 weeks after that Julianna will turn
Mothers’ Day
There’s been a lot of gardening going on around here. My wife, who will be henceforth known as D, has started to really enjoy gardening. This is likely in her blood (her mom also likes it) but COVID has been a catalyst and over the past year+, she has spent a lot of time planting
For The Win
“Some day soon though, things will get back to the normal we all crave.” Me. Exactly 1 year ago. Today Chloe turns 12. It feels like just yesterday that I wrote last year’s birthday post. How is that even possible? Have you ever been to summer camp? As I reflect back on the past year,